Press Release

CHICAGO (October 24, 2005) – The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) is pleased to announce the arrival of REALTOR® Designation Awareness Month. Annually, NAR recognizes November as an important month in which to encourage its members to Keep It In The Family by starting, completing or continuing an official NAR-endorsed designation program through NAR or one of its affiliates.

The fast-moving real estate industry demands continuing education throughout one’s career. A successful agent must keep abreast of current issues, evolving technology, changing legalities and other central components of the business. To help members remain up-to-date in such a dynamic environment, NAR and its nine Institutes, Societies and Councils offer twenty advanced education designation and certification programs. Although other designations exist, only these twenty carry an official NAR endorsement.

Today’s market expects the highest level of expertise from each REALTOR®. In both their heightened proficiency and increased marketability, it is clear that REALTORS® who pursue professional designations have a distinct competitive edge. An NAR 2005 Member Survey shows that REALTORS® without an NAR designation earned a median of $40,900, while those that indicated a designation earned a median of $82,900.

NAR’s advanced education designation and certification programs, tailored to virtually every real estate specialty, are the means necessary to take an agent to the next level. Beyond building skills, knowledge and productivity, these prestigious programs enhance their professional image. As a result, various high-profile corporate and government clients are requiring designations as a prerequisite for consideration.

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® strongly encourages its members to continue their REALTOR® education. All REALTORS® can increase their professional image, marketability, productivity and income through the pursuance of a designation or certification program within the official NAR-endorsed family of designation and certification programs.

Information about NAR is available at http://www.realtor.org.